Clasax Ensembles

CLASAX has four large ensembles which rehearse regularly, members can also participate in smaller group playing. All ensembles play at the mid-year and end-of-year concerts and other special events.

Clarinet Ensemble

Under the direction of Brendan Toohey, the ensemble has enjoyed playing and rehearsing a variety of exciting arrangements and original works for clarinet choir by composers including Paul Harvey, George Gershwin and Mozart. The group can often swell to 30+ players, and includes Eb sopranino, Bb soprano, Eb alto, Bb bass, Eb contra-alto and Bb contrabass clarinets. Players range in age from 18 to 80, and minimum standard suggested is approximately AMEB Grade 5. Rehearsals are generally held on the third Sunday of each month between 2-5pm in Ashburton – contact clasaxvictoria@gmail.com for details.

 

Saxophone Ensemble

Under the direction of Ross Chapman, this ensemble are proud of their “louder and shinier” status and play a variety of arrangements and original works for saxophone ensemble, varying from Susato to Gershwin to Mark Walton. The group can grow to 20+ players, and includes Bb soprano, Eb alto, Bb tenor, Eb baritone and Bb bass saxophones. Players range in age from from 18 to 80, and minimum standard suggested is approximately AMEB Grade 5. Rehearsals are generally held on the first Sunday of each month between 2-5pm in Ashburton – contact clasaxvictoria@gmail.com for details.

 

Mixed Woodwind Ensemble

Founded in 2003 as an ensemble for adult beginners, the Mixed Woodwind Ensemble has outgrown its humble origins. As often happens, the members’ hard work and dedication has resulted in more fluent performances of ever more challenging work. The group consists of Bb clarinets, bass clarinets, alto saxophones, tenor saxophones and baritone saxophones. They meet fortnightly on a Monday evening with conductor JoAnn Griffiths and welcome new players who are at or above level AMEB grade 3 standard – contact JoAnn at joann.clarinet@gmail.com for details.

 

Clarimania

Clarimania is now in its tenth year and consists of a small group of players, some of which come from the CLASAX Clarinet Ensemble, who wish to play music in a smaller ensemble. They rehearse once a fortnight on Thursday afternoons with their conductor, JoAnn Griffiths and perform at approximately an AMEB grade 5 standard.